Your kind and very thoughtful observation of my kids brought tears to my eyes. It’s crazy how sometimes life gets so busy that we can’t see the amazing and simple things that make life so pleasurable. Seeing my kids through your eyes has made me appreciate the little things that make them who they are...I believe you can touch the soul and alter a person’s perspective so subtly that its like looking through a multi-faceted gem. It’s almost like you open the door to believe in anything. It’s a gift. You are a true artist and I’m so glad to have met you.

Thinking they're immortal beings until that day...that day, you realize they're not.Hands and hearts that gave you life, and so much love.Without them, you wouldn't be here...

You can take all the selfies, and photographs of your friends, and children.And nothing will be more valuable then having a photograph of your parents, your mom and dad.

So when Ivana contacted me, the request was for natural and beautiful photographs of her family.Her father having been diagnosed with ALS, it was important to have memories of this moment with her dad, that they could treasure for always.

With her permission, you can read a bit of her story and see their beautiful photos below.I feel so blessed to have been a part of this...xo

*****

"Life always has a way of throwing you a curve ball when you least expect it. Shortly after I moved back from Australia, we started feeling something wasn’t quite right with my dad. Six months later, he was diagnosed with FTD (Frontal Lobe Dementia) and bulbar ALS. 15% of people who get FTD will also get ALS - he’s one of the unlucky ones. I was just like everyone else watching the bucket challenge and wondering what ALS was 2 years ago. It does not run in our family and something I thought couldn’t happen to me or my family. I was wrong. Life works in funny ways and we can’t control a lot of the outcomes, all we can do is cherish each moment we have.

For Christmas this year, I bought my family a photography session. I’ve always been a very visual person and wanted these memories to be captured naturally.Life passes so quickly and it’s rare that we stop and truly appreciate the magic around us.Take all the pictures you can to capture moments and make memories.Spend more time with loved ones.Appreciate the little things.Thanks jodi renée for capturing this particular day ♥..."